snöpacket

Snöpacket is a term used in snow science to describe a discrete, relatively coherent unit of snow within a snowpack. A snöpacket is bounded by contrasts in grain type, density, moisture, and bonding, effectively acting as a micro-entity within the larger profile of the snow cover. The size of a snöpacket varies with weather history and metamorphism, typically spanning a range from a few centimeters to several tens of centimeters.

Formation and properties: Snöpackets form when layers of snow with different properties interact during deposition or metamorphism. Temperature gradients, moisture content, and pressure cause grain growth, sintering, or the development of weak interfaces between packets. Permeability and mechanical strength within a snöpacket can differ from surrounding snow, influencing drainage and stability.

Relevance: In avalanche science and snow stability assessment, the distribution and properties of snöpackets influence the potential for weak layers and failure planes. Sampling approaches such as snow pits, cores, or non-destructive sensors aim to identify contrasts between packets and assess the orientation and thickness of interfaces.

Terminology: The term is used primarily in regional or specialized snow-physics literature and is not universally standardized. It serves as a descriptive concept to communicate localized heterogeneity in snowpacks rather than as a rigid category.